Gloucester's historic Assize of Ale will take place this Saturday, September 9th.

The Sheriff's Assize of Ale, which takes place as part of Heritage Weekend, raises funds for the city's civic charity, Footsteps Counselling and Care and the James Hopkins Trust.

The tradition dates back to medieval times when the Sheriff was responsible for ensuring the ale on sale in the city was of palatable quality.

The Mayor, Councillor Steve Morgan, who is standing in for the Sheriff, together with an army of followers dressed in medieval clothing, tour the pubs in the city centre and the Docks collecting cash for charity and carrying out a slightly bizarre ritual involving a wooden stool, someone dressed in leather breeches and an egg timer.

The Sheriff has an "Ale Conner", whose job it is to sit on a wooden stool, on which a small amount of ale has been poured, wearing a pair of leather trousers.

If, after three minutes, the trousers stick to the stool, the ale does not pass the test.

Conversely, if the Ale Conner can move freely at the end of the three minutes, it does pass.

The tradition was reintroduced in 2003 by City Council leader Paul James during his year as Sheriff of Gloucester and has taken place in each year since.

Cllr James organises the event with fellow cabinet member Lise Noakes and town crier Alan Myatt, with a host of city councillors and other local "characters" taking part.

The Assize will visit 20 pubs in Gloucester and this year Miss Gloucester Savannah Evans will also be part of the team.

A new venue for this year's Assize is the historic Blackfriars Priory, where the ritual will be performed for the launch of this year's History Festival, with special guest Tony Robinson of Baldrick and Time Team fame.

Cllr James said: "The Assize of Ale has become an established part of the city's calendar and a regular fixture at Heritage Weekend. Since 2003 I calculate we have raised well over £10,000 for a variety of local charities.

"But it is also a great spectacle and one of the slightly quirky traditions that makes Gloucester special."

Picture caption: From left to right, Ale Connor Jim Higgs, City Councillor Lise Noakes, Alex Cooke from Gloucester Guildhall and Town Crier Alan Myatt.